"Sri Lanka - 044 - Elephant Orphange" by McKay Savage via Flickr Creative Commons

Asia is a breathtaking paradise not to be missed. A diverse variety of ancient mystical lands, white sand beaches, forested mountains, historic ruins, thrilling adventures and rich culture await the family.

  1. Elephant safari, Chiang Mai, Thailand This is an utterly memorable experience of Thailand for all ages. Visit colorful ethnic hill tribes and sleep deep in the jungle on these safaris on elephant back. Walk to waterfalls and combine the journey with white water rafting or bamboo rafting.
  2. Sapah, Vietnam This unique family journey into the northern hill region of Vietnam takes you up close and personal with the colorful hill tribes of the area. There’s mountain biking, hiking, market tours or simply relaxation to be done.
  3. Camel Safari, Rajasthan, India The vibrant colors of India are perfected in the desert state of Rajasthan. Take the family on a camel trek into the desert, visit the romantic old forts or even stay in a Maharaja castle.
  4. Mekong River, Laos You can follow the Mekong River through several countries before you even get to Laos but this is one of the most spectacular regions of the river. Boat travel is easy on the body, peaceful and dramatic. From the wonderful islands of Si Phan Don in the south, journey north to the sleepy capital Vientiane then north to Luang Prabang and finally the northern border with Thailand. There are temples to visit in the towns en route, stunning waterfalls and local markets.
  5. Beijing, China Bring the family to the amazing national capital for a journey of wonders. Learn calligraphy together, Tai Chi, the ancient art of Chinese sword play, marvel at the acrobatics at the nightly Beijing operas, picnic on the Great Wall or cycle through the old hutong districts of the city.
  6. Bali, Indonesia There are so many good reasons to take the family to Bali. Not only is it cheap to fly there but it’s also cheap when you get there. For most of the year the weather is beautiful and warm, there are great beaches, good food, you can shop everywhere and the Balinese people are lovely. Try a local coconut drink, get your hair braided or go surfing.
  7. Sarawak, Malaysia Journey deep into tropical forests and meet the local Iban tribes people, turtles and orangutans. You can go by longboat into the jungle, enjoy a home stay with locals, swim at waterfalls and enjoy wildlife like wild boar, monkey and lizard.
  8. Chitwan National Park, Nepal Take the family on safari in the steamy Inner Terai of central Nepal to see one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, sloth bear and the gaur (wild bison) and over 400 species of birds.
  9. Elephants, Sri Lanka If you thought Thailand was the only elephant capital of Asia think again. The family will love the possibilities of seeing elephants here. Head to Kandy for the annual Perehera Festival in August, which is famed for its dancers and bejeweled elephants. Then take a day trip to the Pinnawala Elephant orphanage near Kegalle. Here you can see over 600 elephants bathing in the park and working and watch the keepers give milk to the babies.
  10. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal If you’re family has a bit of fitness and enjoys hiking they’ll love this trekking journey deep into the Himalaya. Hire porters to make it an easier, more enjoyable experience and consider a flight back from Jomsom after 10 days if it gets too much. The three week route takes you past snow-capped mountains, pleasant villages and vibrant countryside.

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